Moment Makers Group/Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways To get a personal loan, you’ll need good credit, a stable income and a steady employment history. Bad credit loans are available, but rates can be high and loan amounts may be limited. You’ll qualify for a lower, more competitive…
PM Images/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Key takeaways Personal loan amounts of $50,000 are offered by banks, credit unions, online lenders and marketplace lending sites. Because they’re unsecured, they can be funded quickly and come with higher interest rates. Maximum repayment terms are typically seven years, which could…
Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways Unsecured loans aren’t backed by collateral, making them a higher risk for lenders. Unsecured business loan rates vary, ranging from 7% to 75% APR. With good credit, you could secure a low interest rate on an unsecured loan — between…
Key takeaways You typically cannot return a car unless the dealership has a return policy. To avoid being in a position where you need to return the car, research the history of the vehicle and the dealership’s policies. If you cannot return the car, look into refinancing your auto loan,…
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Last year, on the day before Tax Day, my mom was scheduled to fly into Philadelphia International Airport to stay…
The nation’s 75 million Social Security recipients will receive a 2.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase in their benefits…
With Republicans ending the Grad Plus program, private lenders are eyeing billions in new business, while some students could be…
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Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Jessa Lizama/Bankrate Key takeaways Lower credit scores signal higher risk of default to lenders, so lenders will limit loan amounts. Borrowers with bad credit get approved for unsecured loans with an average amount under $2,000, according to TransUnion data. Adding…
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Paying off Debt on a Fixed Income: Making Sacrifices and Learning Patience Paying off debt on a fixed income requires discipline. Jill emphasizes…
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For fintech startups, the first five years of the decade have been a roller-coaster ride. At the outset, companies were awash in easy…
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What’s worse: a weak job market or stubborn inflation? Most people would say they don’t want either. Rising prices make it harder to afford the things you need, even when you’re working. A weak job market makes it tougher to ask for a raise, find a better position or land…
Key takeaways Three percent down mortgages are exactly what they sound like — they require only a 3 percent down payment. The lower down payment can make it easier to afford a home, but it will mean higher mortgage payments. These mortgages are often part of a program, and borrowers…
Dean Mitchell/E+/Getty Images Key takeaways Your credit utilization ratio is determined by taking the amount you owe on a credit card and dividing it by your credit limit. Credit utilization is an important factor in your credit score. Most experts recommend keeping this ratio below 30 percent for the best…
KenWiedemann/Getty Images Key takeaways HomeReady mortgages are a type of conventional loan for lower-income borrowers, backed by Fannie Mae. To qualify for a HomeReady loan, your income can’t exceed more than 80 percent of your area’s median income. The program offers a low 3 percent down payment minimum and reduced…
Key takeaways Inflation is a sustained increase in prices of goods and services, which can negatively impact your purchasing power and stretch your budget. The Federal Reserve targets a 2% annual inflation rate as a sign of a healthy economy. Inflation can be caused by a variety of factors, such…
If you remember the turmoil of the global financial crisis, hearing that foreclosure activity is up might make your knees weak and palms sweaty. I know I can’t help it. After reading recent reports of climbing foreclosures, I spoke with experts ranging from real estate data companies to non-profit debt…
Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images Key takeaways The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) cannot issue new flood insurance policies during a government shutdown. Existing NFIP policies remain valid if issued on or before September 30, 2025 and paid within the 30-day grace period. Policy changes, cancellations and endorsements are paused…
Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates edged lower again this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.26 percent, down from 6.35 percent the previous week, according to Bankrate’s latest lender survey. Current mortgage rates Loan type Current 4 weeks ago One year ago 52-week…
Key takeaways If your credit card was declined while you were trying to make a purchase, don’t panic — there are several reasons why this could’ve happened, many of which can be resolved quickly. Some common reasons your credit card might be declined include having the card’s credit limit maxed…
Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate A split decision for home equity rates in the latest week. The $30,000 home equity line of credit rose one basis point to 7.85 percent, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. Meanwhile, the benchmark 5-year $30,000 home equity loan edged down two basis…
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